American Authors Believer MP3

Will feature live performances by The Replacements, Foster the People, Capital Cities, Descendents, Violent Femmes, Fitz & the Tantrums and more than 20 other popular acts. The inaugural three-day festival will take place September 26-28 at Tempe Beach Park. Tickets are on sale now: three-day passes for $250 and single-day passes for $65.

Through September, The Spec will be publishing interviews with bands on the lineup and giving away tickets to the event.

formed at the Berklee College of Music in 2007. The four piece struggled for years to record and book tours on its own before moving from Boston to Brooklyn in 2009. Shortly after, it released singles “Believer” and “Best Day of My Life” and signed with Island Records.

As the band’s popularity soared, it was forced to write and record its debut album at the same time. Oh, What a Life was released in that May. On Friday, Sept. 26, American Authors will perform at Summer Ends Music Festival.

Read The Spec‘s interview with drummer Matt Sanchez of American Authors and enter to win a pair of tickets to the festival, below…

Song of yours you would recommend to someone just being introduce to your music?
“Believer.” It was the first song we wrote as American Authors, and it’s our current single! It truly is what sparked our creative fire with the entire album.

Unexpected talent you or someone else in the band has?
James is somehow a dog whisperer. Seriously, it’s weird.

Must-have thing while on tour or in the studio?
Smell goods… In other words: deodorant haha.

Music award, honor, achievement or induction that you would be most excited to get?
Grammy for sure. It would be an absolute dream come true.

Explain the moment you knew that you wanted to be a musician?
There was never really a moment when I decided to become one…it was more of a calling. My friend had a drumset and would always play it whenever I came over. One day, I sat behind it and started just naturally playing a beat. From that moment on, I took lessons and ventured out into other instruments including piano, which is where I write the most.

Recent concert you attended as a fan and your favorite memory from it.
Recently, we’ve been on tour so much that the only concert we’ve seen has been the one we’re privileged enough to be on. One Republic has consistently put one of the best shows. The flow of the set, the musicianship, and the overall production has been so inspirational in what we do. I think for us, watching a show and learning from it is a true honor.

Finish the following sentences:

Everyone thinks my music is sunshine but I think it is pizza.

Number one rule of being a musician or in a band is never give up.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of deodorant.

Summer Ends Music Fest will be summery brilliance at best.

Enter below for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Summer Ends Music Festival (the day of your choice). Winners will be chosen on Aug. 31 and contacted by email soon after. To be eligible, you must complete the tasks in the Rafflecopter below, including leaving a comment with the day of the festival you most want to attend. Giveaways not your thing? Purchase your tickets online .

Source: thespecblog.com

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